School Details
Since 1933 Wilkes has been offering an affordable education in a small college atmosphere. Wilkes is committed to student success while encouraging creative scholarly activities, programs, ideas, and sustainable practices. A liberal education is at the center of Wilkes’s student success along with mentoring and a commitment to individualized attention and exceptional teaching.
Wilkes offers graduate-level online programs in education, nursing, and creative writing, as well as undergraduate and certificate programs in business. The Wilkes online learning system allows you to complete coursework with the flexibility to fit your busy schedule. The cohort-based approach helps you learn and collaborate along with fellow students fully online.
Benefits include:
- Convenience – The online approach means you can study when and where it’s most convenient
- Personal – Learn from respected, experienced faculty dedicated to your success
- Professional – Enhance your knowledge and skills with our cutting-edge curriculum
- Rigorous – Programs offer the advanced knowledge, skills, and professional development to help you advance your career goals, delivered with the advantages of online learning
Accreditation & Licensing
Wilkes University is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
The online Master of Arts in Creative Writing degree program is available from Wilkes University. This degree in creative writing focuses on the craft and business of writing. Students receive one-on-one guidance while being immersed in a community of working writers. All final projects are read and evaluated by outsider readers who are agents, editors, producers, or publishers. The goal of this creative writing degree is to help students become lifelong, productive, professional writers in all fields.
Wilkes offers study in seven areas:
- Fiction
- Poetry
- Screenwriting
- Playwriting
- Creative nonfiction
- Publishing
- Making documentary films
The online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing degree program is available from Wilkes University. This degree in creative writing is an optional continuation of the Master of Arts and is an additional 18 credits. Courses focus on the craft and business of writing. All final projects are read and evaluated by outsider readers who are agents, editors, producers, or publishers. The goal of this creative writing degree is to help students become lifelong, productive, professional writers in all fields.
Wilkes offers seven areas of study:
- Fiction
- Poetry
- Screenwriting
- Playwriting
- Creative nonfiction
- Publishing
- Making documentary films
Business
Gain the leadership skills you need to succeed in any business environment with this online Master of Business Administration degree. The skills and insights you gain from this convenient online program will help you reach the next level of your career.
The curriculum emphasizes the importance of team building and strategic decision-making. You will learn about various business aspects including communication, ethics, social responsibility, and team performance. Students will also study finance, accounting, marketing management, and organizational behavior.
Electives allow you to focus on areas such as:
- Leadership
- Global Business
- Management
Education
You can lead meaningful change in education with the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Wilkes University. This online education administration doctoral program trains strong educators to guide and improve students’ lives.
The online education administration graduate program emphasizes advanced concepts, mindfulness, ethics, and decision-making. Students may choose a specialization in K-12 administration with PA superintendent’s letter of eligibility or educational leadership.
Candidates can also select a concentration in subjects such as:
- Educational technology
- Educational leadership studies
- PA principal leadership and certification
- Educational climate and safety
You can train for an in-demand, rewarding career with the Master of Arts in Teaching / Middle-Level Certification from Wilkes University. This online secondary education master’s program leads to your certification to teach middle-level math, science, English, or social studies.
Through the online secondary education graduate program, you can become THAT favorite teacher and create a lasting impact on your students. Life skills you can impart to your students include:
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Critical thinking
The online MSEd in Educational Development & Strategies degree program examines proven classroom strategies and educational theories designed to help teachers improve student performance. Coursework covers topics in:
- Classroom management
- Assessment practices
- Technology
- Psychological, social, and comparative foundations
Students participating in this program will complete a combination of online courses offered in partnership with Wilkes University and PLS 3rd Learning.
You can provide the effective leadership that grade and secondary schools need with the Master of Science in Education / Educational Leadership from Wilkes University. This online education administration master’s program creates change leaders and educational advocates.
The online education administration graduate program includes a Department of Education K-12 Principal Certification in Pennsylvania. Learning outcomes include such abilities as:
- Strategic planning for student success
- Creating a culture of teaching and learning
- Fair and equitable management based on professional and personal dignity
The online MSEd in Effective Teaching degree program is designed for new or veteran teachers, with or without certification, who wish to create effective, engaging, and responsive learning environments by blending current pedagogy, theory, and practice with instructional design methods and 21st-century strategies to help their students thrive. Graduates can:
- Apply educational theory and research to classroom practice
- Implement effective classroom management and assessment strategies
- Engage 21st-century learners through evidence-based teaching techniques
- Create lessons that reflect student interests and accommodate diverse learners
Students participating in this program will complete a combination of online courses offered in partnership with Wilkes University and PLS 3rd Learning.
You can engage students with today’s technology with the Master of Science in Education / Instructional Media from Wilkes University. This online instructional design master’s program imparts academic rigor with cutting-edge technology in digital media.
Using a premier digital platform such as Discovery Education, students learn to transform K-12 and higher ed classrooms to improve achievement. The online instructional design graduate program covers such topics as:
- Foundations for future-ready students
- Differentiation through technology
- Instructional strategies using digital content
- Mobile devices for teaching and learning
You can be on the leading edge of emerging technologies in education with the Master of Science in Education / Instructional Technology from Wilkes University. This online instructional design master’s program imparts advanced knowledge of digital-age learning.
The online instructional design graduate program leads to certification as an Instructional Technology Specialist in Pennsylvania. The online IT curriculum covers such subjects as:
- Technology infrastructure
- Network design and construction
- Network security
- Technology-rich curricular design
You can venture into leadership positions around the globe with the Master of Science in Education / International School Leadership from Wilkes University. This online education administration master’s program follows standards of the Association for the Advancement of International Education.
Graduates of this online education administration graduate program share a commitment for high-quality international school leaders. The educational leadership coursework covers subjects such as:
- Intercultural communication
- Management and leadership
- Building and sustaining a healthy school culture
- Ethical leadership
You can take the lead in bridging the achievement gap with the Master of Science in Education / Literacy Specialist from Wilkes University. This online reading and literacy master’s program prepares you to facilitate literacy initiatives in your school district.
As illiteracy affects society as a whole, you can make a difference by learning how to evaluate, diagnose, and instruct others to be active listeners, readers, writers, and speakers. The online reading and literacy graduate program focuses on such areas as:
- Literacy and brain research
- Best practices in assessment and reform
- Multicultural and digital literacy
- Literacy leadership
You can help transform education with the Master of Science in Education / Online Teaching from Wilkes University. This online instructional design master’s program provides the option for an online instruction endorsement in Pennsylvania.
The online instructional design graduate program teaches a student-centered approach to learning. You learn innovative online teaching strategies through courses on subjects such as:
- Social and ethical issues
- Action research
- Blended and synchronous learning
- Developing online programs
You can tackle the business side of education with the Master of Science in Education / School Business Leadership from Wilkes University. This online education administration master’s program offers an innovative approach to managing schools.
Open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree, the online education administration graduate program partners with the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials for advanced coursework on the professional side of education. Students delve into such subjects as:
- Public relations and school communications
- Student transportation
- Data-driven decision making
- Financial operations
You can train to meet the increasing demand for teaching English as a second language with the Master of Science in Education / Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Wilkes University. This online ESL master’s program prepares students to serve as administrators and teachers in K-12 settings in the US or abroad.
Considered a terminal degree in this field, the online ESL master’s degree can advance your career. Graduates enjoy success in such settings as:
- K-12 classrooms
- Community colleges
- Universities
- Government organizations
Math & Science
The online Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Management program is designed to benefit professionals in the communications, engineering, finance, facilities, fleets, healthcare, human resources, legal, operations, and real estate fields. Students develop a thorough understanding of sustainable practices and social responsibility, in turn benefitting their companies through smart management of natural resources.
Nursing
Wilkes University’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers a rigorous, practice-focused doctorate while providing an online curriculum that allows candidates to continue working full time. The 30-credit Wilkes DNP online program is in demand – the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has identified the DNP degree as the top preparation for specialty nursing practice nationwide. This program is an ideal fit for advanced practice nurses or nurse executives who want to become clinical experts, applying the latest scientific knowledge and technological advances to serve patients in effective, innovative ways. All Wilkes DNP students also complete a mentored Scholarly Project in a clinical setting. With a strong emphasis on leadership, information technology, and public health, the DNP from Wilkes produces clinical leaders who can translate evidence-based research directly into practice.
The online RN to MSN program from Wilkes University is designed for Registered Nurses with associate degrees who want to become nurse practitioners. The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care track prepares students to provide chronic and acute primary health care to adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Students learn how to integrate evidence-based nursing theories with health assessment and diagnostic reasoning to provide quality outcomes for their patients. The program focuses on clinical skills, professionalism, and evidence-based practice. The online adult nurse practitioner program offers a variety of flexible options for working nurses, including mentoring and faculty support to help students succeed.
Courses examine topics including:
- Advanced pathophysiology
- Advanced pharmacology
- Advanced health assessment
- Diagnostic reasoning for nurse practitioners
- Health perspectives of culturally diverse, rural, and underserved populations
Wilkes University offers an online MSN to nurse practitioners pursuing careers in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care. This advanced degree is designed for those in possession of either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing, as well as an R.N. license. Your master’s in nursing online will incorporate clinical placement experiences, as well as flexible coursework covering topics such as:
- Advanced health assessment
- Acute and episodic illness
- Therapeutic interventions
Wilkes University faculty bring academic expertise to the virtual classroom. Through this AGPCNP concentration, you are prepared to provide chronic primary and acute primary assessment and treatment in a variety of healthcare settings. Your studies integrate theory with reasoning, assessment, healthcare systems, and policy. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles where they may be relied upon for their expertise in leadership, critical thinking, decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Take the next step in your nursing career with an online master’s in nursing through Wilkes University.
Pursue advanced practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the Wilkes University online MSN program. This advanced degree is designed for those in possession of either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing, as well as an R.N. license. Your master’s in nursing online will incorporate clinical placement experiences, as well as flexible coursework covering topics such as:
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Comprehensive health assessment
Wilkes University faculty bring academic expertise to the virtual classroom. Through this FNP concentration, you are prepared to work with patients of all ages utilizing evidence-based practice and theory applicable to direct practice in primary care settings. Expand your essential skills in critical thinking, decision-making, diagnostic reasoning, and professional communication. Graduates of the MSN online program are prepared for leadership roles where they may be relied upon for their research, reasoning, and expertise in healthcare systems and policies. Enter primary care settings with the knowledge and skills to positively affect patient and organizational outcomes through Wilkes University online.
Wilkes University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses with associate degrees who want to become nurse practitioners. The Family Nurse Practitioner track prepares students to analyze evidence-based practice to provide direct care for health promotion, protection, and disease prevention.
The program focuses on advanced clinical skills, professionalism, and evidence-based practice. The school’s placement team works individually with students to provide high-quality clinical placements that are compliant, meet university and national standards for clinical requirements, and prepares students for success in the future.
Coursework prepares students for:
- Advanced practice from clinical, theoretical, and professional standpoints
- Research, reasoning, diagnosis, and critical thinking
- Developing healthcare policy, politics, and advocacy systems
- Delivering informed care with consideration to patients’ population and cultural perspectives
Registered Nurses with an associate’s degree can achieve their goal of becoming a nurse practitioner with this online Master of Science in Nursing program from Wilkes University. Students can help fulfill the country’s growing need for psychiatric and mental healthcare providers by pursuing the Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric/Mental Health.
The program provides skills and knowledge in completing comprehensive mental health assessments, as well as individual, family, and group psychotherapy. Students develop competence in prescribing and monitoring medications for use with patients of all ages. Coursework also examines clinical modalities and theories useful in identifying individuals and populations at risk for mental illness.
Coursework prepares students for:
- Advanced practice from clinical, theoretical, and professional standpoints
- Research, reasoning, diagnosis, and critical thinking
- Developing healthcare policy, politics, and advocacy systems
- Delivering informed care with consideration to patients’ population and cultural perspectives
Earn your MSN online in pursuit of a career in Psychiatric/Mental Health practice with Wilkes University. This advanced degree is designed for those in possession of either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing, as well as an R.N. license. Your master’s in nursing online will incorporate clinical placement experiences, as well as flexible coursework covering topics such as:
- Therapeutic modalities
- Process dynamics
- Planned interventions
Wilkes University faculty bring academic expertise to the virtual classroom. Through this psychiatric and mental health concentration, you will expand your essential skills in leadership, advocacy, assessment, identification, clinical reasoning, and more. Graduates with an online psychiatric nursing degree are prepared for careers working in individual, family, and group psychotherapy practices, where they may be relied upon for the prescription and monitoring of medication and treatment for diverse and underserved populations. Take the next step in your nursing practice with this online MSN from Wilkes University.